Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-26
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.
To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 5.0)
In recent years, many people say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement. while others claim that enough of the waste from home is recycled.
On the one hand, many people says the recycling waste should be used in many other things such as recycled bottle, etc. The law also provide to recycling the waste. Governments should make the rules and regulation to neat and clean the environment and make duties of persons to regularly water for plants and trees. Many people cannot recycle if local bins or centres are missing. They followed the rules and regulations. Rewarding people with cash or discounts encourages positive behaviour without angering the public.
On the other hand, many people claim that not enough waste from home is recycled because its the rubbish and they do not used in the next time. Furthermore, they throw the rubbish in the dustbin and destroy the whole environment and the climate will be polluted by this things. People do not take care of the rubbish they throw the wrappers in the road and destroy the roads. However, If governments put the laws and strictly orders to the citizens and say fine and penalties will be paying after that many audience do not waste things.
In my perspective laws are most important in the country because legal rules turn recycling into a normal social habit.
In conclusion, both arguments are valid however, I strongly believe that only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement as it provides more advantages for individuals and society.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses the prompt by discussing the role of government legislation in recycling. However, the development of ideas is inconsistent. While you present a position, the arguments are often repetitive or lack logical depth. For example, the paragraph regarding the 'other hand' focuses more on general littering and environmental pollution rather than specifically addressing why laws are or are not the only way to increase recycling. The ideas are somewhat under-developed, and the connection between the proposed solutions (like rewarding people) and the core argument is not fully explored. To improve, ensure each paragraph focuses on a single, clear argument that directly answers the 'to what extent' aspect of the question.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay uses basic cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'In conclusion,' which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the progression of ideas within paragraphs is often disjointed. Sentences like 'They followed the rules and regulations' appear abruptly without clear context. Additionally, the use of referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track the subject matter. Paragraphing is present, but the internal logic of the paragraphs needs to be strengthened to ensure that each sentence flows naturally into the next. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring clear topic sentences would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'rubbish,' 'things,' and 'rules and regulations.' There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'neat and clean the environment' and 'make duties of persons to regularly water for plants,' which are not natural English expressions. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of variety and precision prevents a higher score. To improve, try to incorporate more topic-specific vocabulary related to environmental policy and waste management, and focus on using words in their correct context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Subject-verb agreement is a recurring issue, such as 'many people says' and 'they do not used.' There are also errors in sentence structure, such as 'the law also provide to recycling the waste' and 'If governments put the laws and strictly orders.' Punctuation is inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically subject-verb agreement and the correct use of verb tenses, before attempting more complex grammatical forms.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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